RSPCA warning ahead of New Year's Eve Celebrations

The RSPCA is advising pet owners how to make sure New Year's fireworks don't spark stress for animals.

As the New Year Celebrations are set to go with a bang, the RSPCA offers pet owners and event planners tips on how to make it easier on the animals

Last year the charity say they took a total of 14,698 calls between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day and now want to make sure that as few of these as possible are about firework related stress or injuries to animals.

The charity backed a fireworks campaign started by Julie Doorne earlier this year which led to a debate in Parliament by MPs. The campaign urged consideration to be given to restrict the private use of fireworks to all but certain days of the year - November 5, New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year and Diwali.

For now displays can take place on any day and they are urging organisers to be vigilant and give plenty of notice to people in the area so they can be prepared. Organisers can also do their bit by ensuring there are no farm animals close by or wildlife in the area or even nesting or hiding in the bonfire itself.

In September this year horse owner Pat Ormond lost a foal, after he was spooked by fireworks. The fireworks were let off next to his field of five foals and mares.He suffered fractured vertebrae and was put to sleep by a vet to end his suffering.Pat from Rugby, Warwickshire, said:

The RSPCA say For any pet, whether it be a dog, cat, rabbit or rodent, make sure you provide suitable hiding places with extra bedding where they can feel safe. Credit: PA

The RSPCA advises:

  • Fireworks phobia is a treatable condition and vet advice should be sought in the first instance.

  • Using a Sounds Scary! CD can help dogs learn to be less afraid of loud noises in the long-term.

  • For any pet, whether it be a dog, cat, rabbit or rodent, make sure you provide suitable hiding places with extra bedding where they can feel safe. This is also true for animals that live outside.

  • Close all windows and curtains.

  • Play music or put on the television to muffle the fireworks.

  • Make sure they’re kept in a safe place during any display.

  • Never punish or fuss over them as it can make things worse.

  • Make sure your pets are microchipped in case they escape.

  • Give your dog their walk earlier in the day.

  • Never ever take a dog to a fireworks display – even if they don’t make noise or show other signs of being scared – it’s still highly likely to be a stressful situation for them.

  • Pheromone diffusers may help dogs and cats feel calmer.

Fireworks phobia is a treatable condition and vet advice should be sought in the first instance. Credit: PA

RSPCA welfare expert Lisa Richards said:

Credit: ITV News.

The RSPCA has in previous year's called for a ban on so called Chinese Lanterns as they say they are responsible for the deaths of many forms of wildlife.

The charity believe the lanterns, which are regularly used on New Year's Eve, can harm wildlife, livestock and other animals by 'causing injuries that lead to suffering and a slow painful death.'

Credit: ITV News.